The German Postal Service is facing a nationwide strike, with the German Trade Union Federation (Verdi) calling on employees at select mail centers to participate in a full-day warning strike on Tuesday.
According to Verdi’s deputy chair, Andrea Kocsis, the second round of negotiations saw little progress and no tangible results. “Instead, the employers claimed that the employees’ demands are not financially viable” she said. This perspective is not acceptable, as only significant wage increases can help employees cope with still-high living costs.
Furthermore, additional relief for employees through more leisure time is necessary, Kocsis emphasized. “Our members will respond with strikes in the workplace” she said. The message is clear: “We mean business and we are prepared to fight for our demands.”
Verdi is demanding a 7% tariff increase for tariff employees, apprentices and dual students, with a 12-month contract duration. The union is also requesting three additional days of vacation for tariff employees and apprentices, as well as an additional day of vacation for Verdi members. The third round of negotiations is scheduled for February 12 and 13.